Braga beating AVS 4-1 to reclaim third spot in the Primera Liga

Braga made it eight straight wins at the Quarry following a comfortable 4-1 victory against AVS.

Afonso Patrão assisted Ricardo Horta early on and the Warriors were leading 3-0 in the 36th minute, Ismaël Gharbi providing two assists for Uros Racic.

Rafael Rodrigues gave AVS a faint hope in added time when he steered Zé Luís' header past Lukas Hornicek.

The visitors never threatened to reduce the deficit however, Amine El Ouazzani getting on the end of Diego Rodrigues’ cross in added time to send Carlos Carvalhal’s side back into third spot.

Braga 4-1 AVS

Braga got off to a fast start with Afonso Patrão making the most of his first senior start. He pounced on a loose touch from Aderllan Santos just five minutes in, the 18-year-old breaking into the box and crossing to Ricardo Horta who finished at the back post.

The Warriors doubled their advantage in the 26th minute following a free kick from Ismaël Gharbi. Uros Racic was given far too much space and he took advantage by heading past Guillermo Ochoa.

Rodrigo Zalazar played a big role in the third goal which came in the 37th minute. He showed tenacilty to win the ball before Horta, Víctor Gómez and Gharbi combined to tee up Racic, the midfielder making a late run into the box and firing into the net.

AVS got an unlikely goal back in added time when Zé Luís headed John Mercado’s teasing cross towards the back post, Rafael Rodrigues anticipating and doing enough to squeeze the ball past Lukas Hornicek.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side controlled the contest in the second half and saw two substitutes combine to seal it in added time. Diego Rodrigues, who had gone close earlier on, provided a pinpoint cross for Amine El Ouazzani who headed home from close range.

Braga reclaim third spot in the Primeira Liga, one point ahead of Porto with five matches remaining.